Sea Kings triumph

Water polo fans know the Pacific Coast League is not easy, and it’s

hard to win league matches on the road. It looks even more difficult

when your Pacific Coast League opener is on the road at Northwood,

ranked No. 6 in CIF Southern Section Division I.

Corona del Mar High’s boys water polo ignored any possible

excuses, and took an early lead in the league standings Wednesday in

winning, 10-7, at Northwood.

“Northwood, is always a tough road game. They seem even tougher

when they are our first league of the season,” said Corona del Mar

Coach Barry O’Dea.

By no means did the Sea Kings breeze to the win. CdM had to rally

from a 2-1 first-quarter deficit.

After tying the score at 2-2, the Corona del Mar never

relinquished its lead.

“We started out a little slow, but I was very impressed with our

guy’s heart. They didn’t go in a shell when they were down, and

showed resilience.”

Corona del Mar was led by Jacob Murphy and Tom with four goals

apiece. Brothers Ryan and Tyler Kent each added goals.

Money made the first Sea King goal on a penalty throw. The score

tied the game, 1-1. The Timberwolves took the lead on a penalty with

17 seconds remaining in the first period.

Money was just getting warmed up.

In the second period, CdM’s leading scorer, Money, tied the score

again, 2-2, on a second penalty throw with 4:01 remaining.

Travis Kent found Money for his third goal of the half. Money

scored from the left side of the net on a skipping shot into the

distant corner of the net.

Jacob Murphy scored two goals in the final 51 seconds of the second quarter. Michael Berry and Ryan Kent contributed the assists.

In the third period, Northwood was able to keep up with CdM. The

Timberwolves matched the Sea Kings with three goals for both teams.

After a Northwood goal at 4:18. The game resembled a hockey match.

Both coaches were carded, and numerous players were ejected.

With three minutes to go, the Timberwolf goalkeeper was

temporarily ejected for throwing the ball at a CdM player after a

save.. Tom Money immediately took a shot that was blocked by a

Northwood defender. Money immediately scored on the penalty throw.

In the fourth quarter, Murphy tallied his final two goals of the

match in traffic immediately in front of the goal.

Corona del Mar improved to 5-7 overall.

Pacific Coast League

Corona del Mar 10, Northwood 7

Score by Quarters

*--*

Corona del Mar 1 4 3 2 -- 10

Northwood 2 1 3 1 -- 7

*--*

Corona del Mar -- Money 4, Murphy 4, Cox 1, T. Kent 1. Saves --

DiGiacomo 5 .

Northwood -- Colton 4, Noll 2, Peck 1. Saves -- Corntois 5, Peck

1.